Pitching duo carries Rafters to win over Kalamazoo

WISCONSIN RAPIDS- The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters’ pitching staff allowed just two hits in a 10-1 blowout win over the Kalamazoo Growlers at Witter Field on Friday night.

The win helped the Rafters clinch the second half title with two games remaining. The Rafters won the first half with a 24-12 mark. Friday’s win was the ninth straight for the Rafters, who improved to 24-9 in the second half.

Jake Repavich earned the win after lasting 5 1/3 innings. He allowed a hit while also walking a batter. Repavich struck out two batters before handing the ball over to Alex Varaksa.

Varaksa allowed the lone run while finishing the game. He struck out four batters while protecting a big lead.

The Rafters jumped out to a four-run lead in the first inning before increasing the lead to six after the second inning.

Wisconsin Rapids added two-run innings in the fourth and seventh to increase its lead.

Jake Lumley and Scott Kapers led the Rafters with three RBI each while Rob Calabrese drove in a pair. Ben Fisher and Brett Thompson each drove in a run.

Wiscosnin Rapids concludes the second half with a two-game road series against Battle Creek. If the Rafters can earn a win, they will become the fourth NWL team to eclipse the 50-win plateau in a season.

Kenosha 11,

Wisconsin 4

WAUSAU - Kenosha posted two big innings before coasting to a blowout win over the Chucks.

After taking the lead with a four-run fourth inning, the Kingfish blew the game open with a six-run fifth inning. Kenosha added a run in the sixth on a home run to cap the scoring.

The Kingfish posted 13 hits in the game while drawing eight walks. Matt Kroon and Sawyer Gieseke each posted two RBI to lead the Kingfish. Eight batters posted hits while seven picked up RBI.

Cole Erickson earned the win for Kenosha after allowing three runs in 72/3 innings of work. He gave up six hits while striking out nine batters.

Steve Passatempo drove in three runs for the Chucks. He launched a three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth inning to briefly trim the deficit to a run. Javier Martinez added a RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Alex Lewandowski took the loss after pitching four innings. He allowed four runs on seven hits while striking out nine batters. Lennon Gwizadala allowed the six-run inning after giving up two hits and three walks.